Eternamente Lulu

Forget all the analyses and comparisons and fan enthusiasm. Forget the stupid episode of Penelope Miller (playing a qualified psychiatrist) throw herself at a fellow air traveler (thank goodness they didn't add in a bedroom scene - that would really have driven the film off course!). This film is emotional, yes, but also real. I know individuals who have gone through torment like this. I am also impressed by the way in which each character came quietly to grips with his/her situation at the end. That was very perceptive of the makers because that was what would have happened. The way that Swayze's character communicates with his wife in the car on leaving the airport is very believable and makes you appreciate the work they are both going to put in to remake their marriage. Probably the whole ending winds you up so tightly because of Lauren Kinkade's song "Say Goodbye". She sounds so much like Sheena Easton and that made me sit up as SE and Melanie Griffiths have a Don Johnson connection. That would have been too much!! I'm really glad to have come across this DVD.

Along for the Ride (or "Forever Lulu") is not a special film by any means. It's quite average like most films it has its moments. The only really surprising thing about it is how powerful the source music is at the end. Other than that the plot is pretty much predictable. Melanie Griffith does an absolutely amazing job in this film yet again and if you're a fan of hers its the only reason to see this film. Penelope Ann Miller is also quite good in a supporting part. If you have some time to kill this ain't bad.

This was another one of the DVDs that I got when I purchased the DVD player and as before I watched any of the films that were there I thought oh great these are going to be a bunch of rubbish films just thrown in to make the company look like it gives good offers! I'm a big fan of Patrick anyways and thats what made me watch this first. When it first started I thought hmm this is interesting pretty slow moving but after that I thought it was a great well written moving story.

In the end I felt great that things had finally worked out for Lulu and that Ben had written finally a good book about there time together on the road trip to see there son. Yeah great film would say that everyone should watch it!

I must admit when I first saw this movie come through on preview tape at the video store that I work at, I was a little apprensive to take it home and watch it, mainly because of Patrick Swayze who hasen't had a meaty role since GHOST. I was intrigued by the title and decided to give it a go. THANK GOODNESS I DID !!! This was the most funniest, saddest and beautiful movie I have seen in a long while. It is the sleeper of the year. Griffith shines as the fragile LULU who is stricken down by schizophrenia. After sixteen years LULU escapes from a mental institution and tracks down BEN (Swayze) who was LULU'S sweetheart back in college, before she was sick. She informs him that she gave birth to his son and now wants to make contact with him after all this time. So begins a road trip that will leave you wanting more. I will not spoil this movie for you, but let's just say a good box of tissues for the last 20 minutes of the film will be necessary. Swayze does a good job, but I feel he is overshadowed by Griffith, with her powerful performance. She has a real meaty role where as Swayze is stuck playing second fiddle. This is the only problem I can see with this movie, only because I adore Swayze and would have liked to see him play a better part, but he has a few great scenes, one very emotional and I cried all the way with him. Also look out for Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Third rock from the sun), he plays a very good role as LULUS biological son. All in all if you are looking for a movie that is not only funny, but with a real edge to it then this is it. I was sad, I cried and I shared all the moments on that road trip. This is a movie that is a definate in my movie collection, SHEER BRILLIANCE, 10 OUT OF 10.

What was Patrick Swayze thinking here, he may have very well hit his head one too many times in one of those rumored drunken plane episodes. This movie sounded WOW! on paper, had a promising cast, but was put together and written unbelievably lame. Scene-by-scene, decent even good acting, but put into context nothing seemed to jive. The characters were compelled to be together by nothing more than the script, real life could have never fueled so much awkward interaction and endeavor. Any hope the storyline had was completely lost in execution and directing. There were times I heard cameramen groaning. It was great by high school play standards, but less fun. The cross country trip felt like one. Michael J. Pollard (C.W. Moss from 1967's Bonnie and Clyde) was a potential completely misused in this film. My mailman could have played his part. As A hitchhiker with merely a couple of great lines like "can I get in the front seat" and "you're really one crazy lady" his character makes it one mile down the interstate before Griffith kicks him out. I should have gotten out where he did.